by Robyn Carr
But for a long time she’d been stripped of emotion. She didn’t know if she was ready for this. Before she could truly respond, he pulled away.
“I’ll see you on the beach at sunrise,” he said.
Chapter Fourteen
There was a place just up the coast from Half Moon Bay with an outstanding restaurant. Justine had made reservations for two for dinner. Adele was spending at least part of the evening with Jake, Amber was spending the night in San Jose at a girlfriend’s house where they were double dating to a school football game and then out for pizza or something. Livvie’s boyfriend was coming over to the house, and they planned to watch a movie.
Justine was having her own date, yet another date she didn’t tell anyone about. Having arrived at the restaurant a little early, she went to the patio to take in the nice ocean view. She chose a bench facing the ocean, and the moon cast a lovely glow on the water. The waitress asked her if she’d like anything, and she ordered a glass of pinot noir.
Logan came up from behind and put his hands on her shoulders. He leaned down and gave her a brief kiss on the head. “What are your roommates doing tonight?” he asked.
She gave him a quick rundown as he took the seat beside her.
“You still haven’t told anyone about us, have you?”
“I haven’t been specific,” she said. “I will soon.”
“I don’t think we’re doing anything we should be secretive about, do you? I’ve been single for years. You’re divorced now, and it’s been final for months. We’ve known each other over six months. We’ve actually been talking almost daily for that long. Doesn’t anyone in that house ask you who you’re talking to at night?”
“They might think it’s the TV. But I’m surprised none of them have asked any questions. I think they’re all too busy figuring out their own lives. Does it bother you that I haven’t announced that we’re dating?”
“I just don’t like the idea of being kept a secret,” he said.
“I’m not exactly doing that. It’s just... Well, this is my first rodeo.”
“You’re doing very well,” he said. “I look forward to each conversation, each date. Tell me about your day. Or your daughters. Or anything you feel like talking about.”
“I have an interesting case—estate work for a family with a complicated will and a charitable foundation. The patriarch changes the will about every six months, and the matriarch just trundles along without argument. They spend a lot of time in the office. It appears they’re a little uncomfortable about giving up control and keep coming up with ideas to manage their estate from the grave. Or maybe they just like to talk about it a lot.”
“Clients like that must be like having an annuity,” he said.
“Do you have any frequent flyers?”
“Oh yeah. Mostly jealous spouses. That’s pretty depressing work.”
“So, is everybody cheating?”
“That’s not the depressing part. People are usually jealous for a reason. That’s depressing. If you have a strong instinct telling you something is wrong, usually something is wrong. Or maybe you’re in the wrong relationship.”
“I guess I was too busy to be jealous,” Justine said. “How’s your new place?”
“I like it,” he said. “It’s smaller than I’m used to, but it has a partial ocean view from the back patio. The neighbors are nice, and the town is busy every weekend. I can’t wait to show you. It’s kind of a typical bachelor pad—small kitchen, big TV, leather furniture that can be wiped down easily. Carmel is pricey. I don’t buy my groceries there.”
The waitress brought Justine her wine and told them their table was ready when they were. They entered a casual but well-appointed dining room, nearly every table taken, and settled in to study menus. They ordered then talked about their families, their childhoods, their college years. He told her a lot of cop stories, but she didn’t tell a lot of lawyer stories because corporate law wasn’t a fun topic of conversation. But they agreed on a lot of things, especially the big ones—religion (none) and politics (they had many views in common) and finally books and movies. They enjoyed a delicious steak dinner, shared a couple of sides and nearly finished a bottle of wine.
“It’s kind of amazing to me that we don’t run out of things to talk about,” she said. “We’ve spent hours on the phone and still haven’t covered everything.”
“Now that I’m in Carmel, hopefully we’ll spend more time face-to-face. If your daughters will let you.”
“I don’t think they’d be upset at the idea of me dating. They knew about it when I went to Carmel with you in the summer.”
“But then I was someone you had worked with,” he said.
“I don’t think it would be wise to ever tell them I hired you to investigate their father,” she said.
“It’s irrelevant, if you think about it. I didn’t find out much you didn’t already know. And I’m not pressing to meet them or get their blessing or anything like that. I just think it’s a good idea that your family know where you are and who you’re with. It’s safe.”
“You’re right,” she said. “I’ll bring it up. I’ll tell them I met you through a friend at the Silicon Valley office, which is true. I’ll mention that we’ve been talking and have gone out a few times.”
“Eleven times,” he said. “And I’m starting to wonder what I’d do if I didn’t have more of you to look forward to. I’m also thinking about all the fun things we can do together once your family signs off on me.”
She leaned toward him, her arms resting on the table. “I’m sure they’ll like you, but it doesn’t matter whether they do or not. I get to pick my own boyfriend. I can’t wait to hear what fun things.”
“We might try concerts in the city—the Bay Area books some great musicians. I have a few friends who work security for special events, and I can let them know I’m interested in tickets. We could hit a hockey game in San Jose. They have a great team. Lake Tahoe isn’t far. We might spend a day or two there. And just on the off chance you’re ready...” He reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a key card. “No pressure. But I’m crazy about you. I won’t elaborate because I don’t want to scare you.”
“I don’t know how I would have gotten through this madness without our long talks, our eleven dates,” she said. “But it’s not that I’m just grateful, Logan. It’s like I was dragged kicking and screaming into a new life, and largely because of you, I’m growing to love my new life. I never thought I was unhappy, but I recognize I really am happy now. It’s a new state of being.”
“I’m proud of you, Justine,” he said. “I’ve been there. The betrayal and rejection is a terrible ordeal, and you’ve been brave. And strong.”
“I’ve complained a lot,” she said. “I’ve had some dark days. But my new home and new job are just right for me.”
“I wasn’t calling you to help you,” he said. “I’m glad if it did. But I was on those calls and dates because I’m attracted to you. Because I wanted to talk to you, get to know you, spend time with you.”
“I know,” she said. “This can’t be real, can it? That I would fall for the detective I hired to get the dirt on my cheating husband?”
“Stranger things have happened. What should we do now?”
“Maybe it’s time to ask for the check,” she said.
* * *
They stood just inside the door of the hotel room and kissed, wrapped around each other. His lips slid over hers smoothly, deliciously, and their tongues played. There was no awkwardness as this wasn’t their first kiss. It was the first time they both knew they would end up in bed. Justine had fantasized about this for at least a few weeks, and so far, it was living up to her fantasy. His hands slid down her back to her butt, pulling her against him, letting her know there was much more in store for her.
She hummed approvingly against hi
s lips.
“You taste so good,” he whispered. “Being alone with you is just what I’ve been needing.”
She was needing him, too. She’d thought about it for longer than she even dared to admit. The first time one of their late night chats veered away from her ex and her divorce into ordinary topics from the traffic in the Bay Area to what they were each reading, she had that lilting, tingling feeling inside that came when you found someone entirely and completely right. The feeling grew by the day; she couldn’t wait for that text or call each day. And they had since invaded each other’s day as well with good-morning texts and midday calls. They kept each other up to date on the news, weather, amusing current events and miscellany. There was a marathon in San Francisco that held Logan up in traffic for a couple of hours; he described every detail. There was a huge beach party that crowded Half Moon Bay with tourists. The commotion had lured Justine out of her office, and she described every interesting person to Logan.
Now, in his arms, all she could think about was his tall, firm body against hers. She abstractly recognized the difference between when she had been young and fragile and now, when she was mature and a bit weathered by life. She wasn’t worried about words of love, she was only interested in the way he treated her. She didn’t think about promises, she thought about character and integrity. She had little concern about the future because the future belonged to her. Her and her family. If Logan was the man she thought he was, the future would assert itself. In fact, she wasn’t even looking for forever. She was looking for kindness, honesty, pleasure and a man she could trust. She was only interested in now.
“Take me to bed,” she whispered.
He backed up toward the bed, pulling her hand. He untucked his shirt and unbuttoned his pants, then slowly helped her out of her blouse. One piece at a time, their clothes were tossed on the nearby chair. Justine pulled back the sheets. She slipped into bed first and he joined her there, taking her into his arms. He kissed her and held her close.
He kissed her palm. Then he slid her hand downward so she could touch him. She sighed and he moaned. His hands were moving across her body from her breasts to her butt and finally to that tender place between her legs. With his lips on hers and his fingers massaging her in exactly the right place, pleasure shot through her and she trembled. She kissed him harder and deeper, and her hips began to move against his hand.
“Oh Logan, this is so nice...”
“Better than nice...”
Their fondling became intense and before long Logan gently turned her onto her back, nudged her legs farther apart and found his way home. Their joining brought a gasp from her that turned into heavier breathing from both of them.
Justine closed her eyes, tilted her head back and rocked with him in a slow and steady motion. She felt the passion rise inside, and she found herself thoroughly caught in the storm of it, grabbing for his butt and pulling him harder and deeper. And then there was an explosion of pleasure that consumed her. Her body had taken her there with a will of its own and she was a clenching, quivering mass of woman, caught in his arms.
“Justine,” he whispered.
“Oh my God!” she exclaimed.
A moment later he rode her hard and fast, and she felt his release. It was heaven and nearly caused her a second orgasm.
It was in the quiet of the aftermath that Justine really noticed how good it was. She felt safe and secure in his arms; he was a wonderful lover and for that she was so grateful. Fully satisfied, she let out a slow breath and snuggled closer. He ran his fingers through the short hair at her temples, combing it back. “Okay?” he asked gently.
She let out a little laugh. “Way better than okay.”
He ran a finger over her lips. “Your lips are bright pink. Your cheeks are flushed. I like that look on you.”
She opened her eyes to smile at him. “Thank you,” she said. “I wondered what it would be like. I hoped we wouldn’t disappoint each other and I could tell—we didn’t.”
“We didn’t. Justine, you know I care about you. It’s gone beyond that. I’m in love with you.”
Her eyes grew round. “Logan, I don’t think I’m in a good place to get serious about a man.”
“I’m not asking you for anything. As far as serious feelings, we can be serious without committing to the future. I understand you just came out of a long marriage. One that ended badly. You would be crazy to get yourself into another committed relationship so soon—you’re not completely over the last one. There’s still a lot to settle in your head. That’s okay. In fact, that’s good. But even so, I want you to know that I love you. And you can trust that.”
“That’s just it. It’ll probably be a long time before I can trust again.”
“That’s fine. We have nothing but time, and I’m up to the job of earning your trust. As long as we can spend time together...”
“I count on that,” she said. “I look forward to every phone call. I love being with you. You make me feel...” She hesitated. “New,” she finally said. “You make me feel brand-new. Thank you for that.”
He kissed her cheek. “The pleasure is all mine.”
“Not all of it is yours,” she said with a laugh. “It’s been so long, I was afraid I’d be awkward or embarrassed.”
“It’s quite obvious you weren’t.”
“Now comes the bad news. I have to get home at a civilized hour.”
“I can’t wait to hear what civilized is,” he said.
Right on cue, her phone rang. It was in her purse. “Would you mind,” she asked, pointing to her purse on the chair.
He slid out of bed, naked as the day he was born, and she admired his fine form. He was quite a good-looking man. He handed her the purse, and she pulled out her phone. She looked at the screen and answered. “Hi, honey. Everything all right?”
“Sure,” Amber said. “Just checking in. We brought pizzas back to Melanie’s so I guess we’re in for the night.”
“And Melanie’s parents are home?”
“Yes. Janet said to tell you hi. What are you doing?”
“I’m actually out to dinner in town. Well, I had dinner and now I’m having dessert. I’m with a friend I worked with in San Jose.”
“A date?” Amber asked.
“I guess it technically is a date. Now I don’t want to be rude and be on my cell phone. Call me when you’re headed home in the morning.”
“Okay, sure. Have fun!” Then she signed off.
Justine laughed and dropped her phone in her purse. “When you have teenage girls, you do a lot of checking in with each other.”
“Good idea. Now, can I get you a little more dessert?” And Logan crawled into the bed and took her in his arms again.
* * *
Logan walked Justine to her car. It was in a dimly lit parking lot outside the restaurant, which was on the other side of the building. They were talking about when they might be able to get together again. Just as they turned the corner around the building, Logan stopped short, a concerned look on his face.
Justine stood still and could hear voices. Angry voices. It was mostly a woman, though she couldn’t make out everything she was saying. She caught a few words. Not what you said would happen. What about me? She’s a greedy bitch. You could fix this. You’re just a chicken. If there was another person in the argument, that person had little more than mumbles to contribute.
Then there was the sound of a slap and a cry of pain. Then a man found his voice. “Get ahold of yourself! Ugh!” Followed by a lot of unintelligible sounds.
“Stay right here, by the door,” Logan said. “Sounds like someone’s having a domestic. I’ll check it out and be right back.”
“Don’t get involved, Logan!” she said.
“Don’t worry, Justine. I know what to do.”
He walked into the darkness, between cars. She
could hear the arguing continue though Logan was out of sight. Then she heard a voice she recognized. “Goddamn it, Cat! Stop that! You’re out of control!”
That was Scott. And she knew only too well who Cat was. She got her phone out of her purse, turned on the flashlight, pointed it in the direction Logan had gone and attempted to follow.
It wasn’t far. She heard Logan’s voice clear as a bell. She saw he was using his flashlight, as well. “Hands off each other, right now. I’m calling the police.”
Then Cat shouted, “Go away! This is none of your business!”
When she came through the cars, approaching Logan’s back, she could see Scott and Cat, and Scott had a trickle of blood running down his lip and over his chin, staining his shirt. He wiped at it impatiently. Then he saw her.
“Justine! What are you doing here?” Scott asked.
“I was having dinner. And you are apparently having a fistfight.”
“I was defending myself,” Cat said.
“That’s not what I saw,” Logan said. “He was trying to hold your arms down to keep you from hitting him and you were kicking him. By the look of his face, you connected at least a couple of times. That’s assault.” He turned to Scott. “You should call the police.”
“He’s not going to call the police,” Cat said. “We’re getting out of here. You just mind your own business.” And with that, she got into the car they were standing beside. She got in the passenger side.
“Scott, you should listen to Logan,” Justine said. “He’s a former police officer. He knows what he’s talking about.”
“It isn’t safe to go home with her,” Logan said. “Get over the idea that just because she’s a female, you shouldn’t fear her. She’s violent. She has a temper. If you want a ride somewhere, I’d be happy to give you a lift.”
Scott laughed uncomfortably. “I can work this out. You’re right, she has a bit of a temper but she burns out fast. I should know better than to irritate her, get her riled up. She’s really not like this. She’s really a sweet, kind girl.”